Horace B. Hardy

"Look to the hills from where cometh your help, your help comes from the Lord."

On November 03, 2022, Heaven's gates opened, and the Lord came in and stood beside Horace B. Hardy and whispered in his ear, "Come to me." Obedient to the Word of God, Horace passed in to be with the Lord at the tender age of 83 yrs.

Horace was one of fourteen children born to the late Horace B. and Rachel Hardy of South Bend, Indiana. He received his formal education from the public schools in South Bend and later graduated with a BA degree in economics in 1964 from Wilberforce University in Ohio. While attending Wilberforce and having a strong and deliberate emphasis on his life experiences and educational success, he decided to study law. He had a special interest in 'troubled" youth.

Mr. Hardy's direct and active participation while attending the country's private (HBCU) Wilberforce university-sponsored activities and events, speaks to his character and tenacity as a man of strength and unfaltering faith in the betterment of mankind. He was president of the Pan-Hellenic organization; member Alpha Phi Alpha fraternity; member of the Sound and Shield Honor society; editor of the FORCEAN yearbook; and an active member of student affairs.

After graduating from Wilberforce University, Mr. Hardy started his first job at Jones and Laughlin Steel Corp. where he was a critical part of the human resources department. It was during this time, he was instrumental in assisting others to gain employment in the steel industry. After a successful tenure at Jones and Laughlin, he moved to Detroit, Michigan, and found employment with a major Insurance Corp as an Account Executive. During his time, Horace was the proud recipient of awards, certificates, and at least two vacations to Hawaii for outstanding performance!

Horace Hardy had a special love for baseball, particularly the Chicago White Sox. He favored singing groups such as the Temptations, O'Jays and Harold Melvin, and the Blue Notes... "Oh, what a night..."

His life was a story of strength, courage, faith, perseverance, selfless love, and honor. He leaves behind a legacy for both his family and friends, one of undying love and respect. His passing will be remembered by his daughter, Tyler Hardy, and his siblings, Stephen and Jan Hardy Tucson, AZ (Horace's caretakers); Eve Robinson Tucson, AZ, Audrey Jones Spencer Missouri City TX, Phyllis Canty St Paul MN, Debra (Charlie) Sagin Tippecanoe, IN, Curtis (Rebecca) Hardy South Bend, IN, Karl Hardy South Bend, IN, and a great many nephews, nieces, cousins, and friends.

Horace Burdell was predeceased by his beloved parents Horace B. and Rachel D Hardy and (6) siblings Ronald, Kenneth, Mark Hardy, Joyce k. Kroll, Hortense Magee, and Marlene Jenkins.

A special note of thanks to Burdell's special friend, Annie Price, and all the medical personnel who cared for Horace Hardy. You gave him hope when there was little, renewed his strength when he was weak and gave him life when there was none. Thank you!

"A limb has fallen from the family tree that says: grieve not for me, remember the best times, the laughter, the songs, the good life I loved when I was strong."

There will be a Celebration of Life honoring Horace B Hardy:

Saturday, May 20th, 2023 @1:00 PM Reception at Nexus Center 3607 South Main Street South Bend, IN 46614. Kindly RSVP Evangelist Audrey Jones-Spencer, 574.472.0533

Posted online on April 12, 2023

Published in South Bend Tribune

04/14/2023 EJS